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MED OR A; 



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THE M AID OF 81 C I L Y 



gt STnigcbu, in Jfibc §>cts. 



BY ANNIE D'ARCY. 



Willi Staue Business, Cast of Characters, Costumes, Relative Positions, Etc. 



Euterrd. according to act of Congress, in the year 18&1, by Annie D'Aroy, in the Clerk's Office of the District Com 
of the United States for the Southern District of New York. 



1-/ in 


'COPYRIGHT A 


NEW YORK: 




SAMUEL FRENCH, PUBLI § II E R, 


122 NASSAU STREET (Up Si 


PAIRS). 







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TMP92-009036 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 

ARANA A powerful Noble of Sicily. 

ORSINI The Lover of Medora. 

PIETRO The Friend of Orsini 

MARCO Lieutenant of Orsini. 

PAULO n 

CARLO ( Soldiers of Aram. 

STEPHANO ) 

MEDORA ; Betrothed to Orsini. 



COSTUMES. 

THE SCENES ARE LAID LN SICILY DURING THE MIDDLE AGES. 

Arana. — First Dress : Crimson shirt. 

Second Dress : Snit of mail— black and gold. 

Orsini — First Dress : Brown merino shirt and sandals. 

Second Dress : Suit of mail — crimson and silver — with crim- 
son scarf. 

Stephano. — Same as Arana, but plainer. 
Paulo. — Shirt and breastplate. 
Marco. — Same as Paulo —colors different. 
Pletro. — Shirt of mail— black and steel. 
Knights and Soldiers. —Shirts of mail and high boots. 
Medora. —White merino dress ; demi-train ; hanging-sleeves, lined 
with crimson and trim ned with gold. Grecian curls. 



MEDORA. 



A C T I . 

SCENE I. — The Battlements of the Castle of Arana, ox the 
Coast of Sicily. 



Enter Carlo, followed by Pietro, r. s. e. 
Carlo. No more ; 'tis vain ! 
Pietro. Be not a fool unto thyself ; 

What gold can do to win thee shall he done ; 

Spare my friend who is no foe of thine. 

The tyrant whose will holds lordly sway 

Within these towers will never know the 

Cheat thy tenderness imposes. 

Release the friend whose boyhood 

Cheered mine ! 
Carlo. Urge me not. I would, but 

Dare not. The brave Omni is hated 

By the lord who holds him in his grasp. 

And vengeance would be dire on all 

Who aid him now. 
Pietro. Detested villain ! And will the gallant 

Carlo serve a monster whom nor laws 

Of manhood nor of war hold in check ? 

My friend, I mistook thy nature. 
Carlo No. not my nature, but my duty, 

Rather. 
Pietro. One word more : Orsini has not, 

As some fearful rumors say, fallen by 

The assassin's steel ? 
Carlo. He lives. But the Lady Medora's 

Advent iu these walls is untimely; her 

Pleading to Arana ? s gloomy breast, 1 



M E D O R A 



Fear, will not redeem her lover from 
One pang reserved within the doom 
His captor meditates. 

Pietro. If any spark of virtue dwells within thee. 
Lead me. Carlo — show me the dungeon of 
My friend ! 

Carlo. On the summit of the rock which faces 

Westward from these battlements, is scooped 
A cell of fatal horror, where lingering captives 
Oft have sighed in vain — where Death's 
Cold hand alone could play the liberator. 

Pietro. Fell villain ! Is this the end reserved 
For the noble, brave Orsini ? gentle. 
Loving Medora ! in vain. I fear, indeed, 
Will be thy words, though soft as music's 
Sweetest notes, and all thy prayers of 
Love and grief, to shield thy lover from 
The steel he never feared in battle, 
When— 

Enter Paulo, l. 

Paulo. Where is our chief ? 

Our forces, beaten back within the walls. 

Were met and hotly followed by 

A slaughtering band of Orsini^hercest 

Horde ! Haste to the rescue ! 

No time for parley ! I must seek Avana's 

Presence ! [Crosses r., and exits, followed by Carlo. 

Pietro. Just Heavens, look down and aid 

The Captive now, shower your vengeance 

On the head of foul oppression, and 

Paralyze the murderer's desperate arm ! 

[Noise and confusion heard without, shout*, etc. 

Enter Medora, l. u e. 



Medora. 



Pietro. 



Medora. 



Victorious heroes ! 
Brave followers of Orsini^banner ! 
Let the wild tempest rage, till in one 
Wide o'erv. helming ruin scattered, 
Lie all the savage forces of Arana's pride, 
And freed Orsini leaps joyous to these arms ! 
And grant the moment when Pietro' s steel 
Shall from its scabbard leap, and cut 
A path of freedom for his friend ! 
E'en whilst I shudder, my soul in daring seems 
To tower, Pietro, at the sweet, wild thought of 
Orsini free ! 



M E D O R A 



Pietro. 



Medora. 



Pietro. 

Medora 



Pietro. 

Medora. 

Pietro. 

Medora . 



[Crosses L. 



Brave maid of Sicily ! Well may that 
Title be bestowed on thee ; for not a warrior 
Of more courageous soul bears brand within 
This isle. Nor aught so tender blooms beneath its 

shades 
And yet a dread — a pale horror — 
Doth oppress that spirit which thou 
Laudest thus. But still the gallant 
Marco, the brave lieutenant of Orsini, 
Comes, armed with the power of his captive 
Lord. Eager to redress, 

He leads the war ; and grant him victory, Heaven ! 
A little while, and then, within 
These cursed walls, triumphant 
Let him stand ! 

And yet I fear for thee. 
Would thou wert safe in some 

Distant retreat, where 

Here let me always be, until 

My brave, my noble, generous Orsini bear 

Me hence. His freedom, bought with the 

Dearest blood that courses through 

These veins, were cheap. Let Heaven, who knows 

Each secret feeling of my soul — the agony that 

Bends it — witness my resolve ! 

Oould I desert the being I adore ? — ■ 

The lover of my girlhood — the husband 

Of my heart ? I sought Arana's presence, 

And prayed to him for mercy ; 

Implored him spare the noble victim that 

Chance of battle thus had cast in 

Fetters at his feet. Nay, besought the 

Tyrant to permit my aching heart to seek 

His dungeon — my hands to bathe his fevered 

Brow and bind his wounds ! 

That act of tenderness and truth, 

Though never done, shall merit all 

That Heaven can bestow. 

Ye Powers above, in freedom let 

Me once more behold him ! 

If he be free, Medora is content to die. 

Far from me be the thought to add 

One fear unto thy breair"; but 

Dread misgivings 

No more, Pietro ; in pity say no 



Moi 



The flame that glows within me 



Ne'er shall know despair— ne'er be quenched ! 
Despondent man ! The furious tyrant, 



I MEDORA. 

In his den of blood, is caught at 
Last. Ruin on every side encompasses 
These walls. His haughty and oppressive soul 
Will grovel in the dust before 
The shiningkfands Orsini's heroes 
Wield, and death reward him in the 
Fatal hour ! [Grosses r. 

Pietro. The tyrant comes, lady ! Disguise 

All feeling -drown all your sorrows in 
A show of joy. At least, restrain your 
Detestation fur your foe. Lady, he comes. 

Enter Arana, Stephaxo, and four Knights. 

Anuui. The vain, accursed Orsini ! 

He at least, is in my grasp. The foe 

I hate is in my power. Then, let his 

Myrmidons battle their fill. These towers 

Are lofty, and these walls are strong. 

In vain ye thunder at their gates. 

Sooner than yield them to the 

Victorious arms of base Orsini, with my 

Own hand I'd throw the burning brand, 

And in one wide, consuming ruin 

Behold their blackened stones and scorching 

Beams ! [Crosses l, 

Medora. Oh. Arana ! if anguish tortures my 

Distracted breast— if frenzy holds 
Fearful sway within this brain — 
Pity, oh ! pity my despair. My grief 
Is madness ! I cannot know relief. 
All miseries are mine, until ray prayers 
Have gained favor in thy heart. Reserve 
Thy vengeance ! Evince a brave revenge ! 
Preserve thy foe, and take an humble 
Maiden's thanks— the unutterable thankfulness 
Of a breaking heart ! 
Oh ! spare him— spare Orsini— and 
Medora shall live but to bless 
Thy name. Be merciful, my lord ! 

Aram. [Aside.] Her beauty maddens me ; yet not 

Unwilling love I covet. Could I win her, by Heaven, 

A double vengeance would he mine, and I 

Could crush the very heart within Orsini's breast ! 

Her loveliness makes my hatred more ! 

Has he not outdone me in manhood's 

Noblest chase, ambition's aim, crossed me 

In my boldest schemes, derided me anions: 



MEDORA. 

My peers, and o'erthrown me in the 
Battle's heat? 

But, stay — I must dissemble ! 
[c] Divine Medora ! [Aloud. 

Do not deem me cruel ; accuse me not 
Of aught that would distress thy tender 
Bosom ! Believe me, I would give 
All freedom to Orsini ; but my followers 
Demand, for many a wanton act of 
Cruelty of his when red battle had 
Rendered him triumphant, that he 
Shall pay the forfeit ! 
Still, thy youth, thy grief, thy beauty, 
Pierce me with a thousand darts ; 
And for one look of pity for the 
Wounds thy loveliness inflict, I'd kneel 
Before thee, renounce my vengeance, 
Turn recreant to my followers, and 
Be thy willing, loving, and devoted 
Slave ! [ Takes her ha)\d. 

Medora. [b. c. ] Direct me now, ye Heavenly Powers ! 
My lord, seek not to win a heart 
I cannot give. My love, thou knowest, 
Is another's. Orsini is my affianced 
Lord. He owns my heart, and where 
That goes, my hand goes also. 

[ Withdraws her hand, and crosses l. 

Enter Paulo, e. 

Paido. My lord ! 

Arana. How now ? 

Paulo. The enemy scales the western battlements ; 

Our men, exhausted with the desperate work, in 
Under-breathing murmur forth thy name, 
And crave thy presence and inspiring voice. 

Arana. I come. [Exit Paulo, e. — Shouts without. 

Medora, farewell ! Within this hour I'll seek 
Thy presence, and again implore thy 
Love. 

Medora. In vain ! My lord, the^e words of thine 

Are insults to my ear ! My love, my heart, 
My soul, are all Orsini's own ! 
Sooner than yield a single look of love 
To thee — the direst foe of him whose 
Lightest tones to me were rapturous as 
An angel-choir — I'd fling this form from 
Off these battlements, and hie a 



10 -M E D O R A . 

Mangled, shapeless mass, within yon 

Dark abyss ! 
Aram. Beware! or, if not thine own, Orsini's form shall 

Greet thy eye, within yon chasm, ere 

To-morrow's sun. [Exit B.,/o#oiced by Knights. 

Medora. Hold back, despair ! 

If my lover dies, why, then — 

Mercy, Heaven ! I cannot bear the 

Fearful thought ! The weakness of my 

Sex forbids my arm to strike ! 

Great Powers, defend the righteous now ! 

Let not yon guilt-stained villain 

Prosper in the fight, 

Or nerve this woman's arm and steel her heart 

To deeds of horror and revenge ! [Exit l. 



END OF ACT 



MEDORA. 11 



ACT II. 



SCENE I. — Another part of the Battlements — A Tower on the 

Left. 

Carlo discovered guarding the entrance of the tower. 
( urlo. Who's there ? Stand ! Who, and what art thou ? 
Enter Medora, r. u. e. 

Medora, No hostile foot approaches. In me no warlike 

Valor can alarm. I am a 

Friend. No stealthy foe is here to surprise 

Thy watch. A lowly suppliant I come. 

Alas ; my strength forsakes my weary frame. 
Carlo. Thine intent! unfold! quick, speak 

Thy purpose here. 
Medora. Let not distrust annoy thy breast, 

A miserable woman in her anguish comes to 

Thee, and at thy feet implores thy aid. Thou 

Hast the power. Relieve this bleeding heart. 

Show mercy to my woe. 
Carlo. Why, lady, will thou thus, when 

All nature is hurried in repose, forsake 

Thy couch of rest ? 
Medora. All, all may rest in peace when 

Naught disturbs the heart ; but when ten 

Thousand pangs are torturing the soul, how 

Vain the hope for quiet. Oh ! give 

Me but to see him. Within this gloomy 

Tower I know he pines in misery, and 

How can I find comfort for agony like 

Mine ? 
( urlo. Lady, I dive not, or if — 

Medora. To do this act would be a virtue, 

. If ever thou hast known the power 

Of love — the tortures of suspense— aid 

The suppliant being at thy feet. 

Were she thou lovest pleading at another's 

Feet, as I at thine, for one slight interview 

With thee, think, how wouldst thou feel 

To know repulse would be her sole 

Reward. ! yield, in mercy, 



12 MEDORA. 

Yield to my demand. 

I know thy generous soul would, were 

That thy fate, yearn as mine does now, 

And feel a power within it to rend 

Rocks of marble to attain its end. 

Think these fears and dreads thine own, 

And pity mine. [Rises. 

( 'arlo. Withdraw, withdraw, I dare not ; 

Thy tears and prayers are vain. 
Medora. What! has murder done its 

Foul work, then ? Assassins, have 

Ye destroyed the form I love ? [ Crosses r. 

( 'arlo. This wild, distracting grief is vain ; 

Retire and seek repose. 
Medora. Thinkst thou, inhuman as thou art, 

These linibs can know repose, this heart 

Assuage its pangs ? Never! at thy feet 

V bleeding corse I'll lie, and leave the 

Guilt of murder on thy soul. By all 

The cruel fates that ever severed 

Faithful loves, I swear to crimson 

With my heart's warm blood the fearful 

Threshold of Orsini dungeon ! 

[Drawing her dagger and kneeling, 
Carlo. Hold! hold! I yield. 

[Raising her"] Enter ; such faithfulness 

Would melt the savage breast of tigers. 
Medora. My tears alone can requite thy goodness 

And speak my thanks. 
( 'arlo. Yon lamp will guide thy steps. 

[Pointing through the archway of the tower. 
Medora. This act shall be rewarded. The 

Heavens will recompense thy generous 

Virtue, for Heaven commends the deed. 

[Enters the tower. 
I Mo. My faith to Arana's broken, but 

My duty to the suffering of a bleeding 

Heart is done, and what the forfeit 

May be, I'll pay freely. [Exit l. 



SCENE H. — Change of scene — Inside of Orsini's Dungeon. 

Orsini and Medora discovered. The former in chains. 

Orsini. And didst thou then, to gaze upon 

Me once again, my own Medora, dare all 
The wrath the tyrant could inflict? 



MEDORA 



13 



Medora 
Orsini. 



Medora. 



Orsini. 



And do I hold within my fettered 
Arms the being I adore ? 

Oh, my beloved ! 
Medora ! Heavens, do I hold her 
In these arms again. Are all my 
Dreams of horror then dispelled ? I thank 
Thee, Heaven, for tlms bestowing upon my 
Heart a boon like this. 

Thy own lieutenant, Marco, closely 
Besieges this stronghold of our foe, 
And Arana dreads success will crown his 
Efforts. 

If fate should not decree success, 
As thou depicts, unto the arms of 
Faithful Marco— if these limbs should 
Never know freedom more, and this 
Dungeon should become my tomb — Medora, 
What doom awaits thee, then ? My heart 
Recoils with horror at the thought ! 
Medora. I have no fear but what attends 

Thy fate, Orsini ! no thought but for 
Thy freedom. When thou art gone — when 
Earth beholds thee no more — then is Medora's 
Life a worthless burthen. Then will she 
Seek the grave, where sorrows end ! 
Our souls may reunite above, and 
Joys eternal be our own. 

But if Arana— and well 
I know the villain would not scruple, for 
No honor dwells within his breast— if Arana, 
Bloated with triumph and gloating on 
Bevenge, should dare to ask thy love, 

Thy 

I have a dagger, and no female 
Weakness shall intervene to withhold my 
Hand. When thou art lost, then all is gone, 
And Arana would behold Medora's lifeless 
Form, but never know her love ! 
Sure faith like thine is rare even in the 
Brightest of thy sex. 

When stricken down beneath the sword of Arana's band, 
And rescue was in vain — when dragged before 
My foe, and manacled and wounded, 
And plunged into this ceil — my thoughts 
Were wandering to thee. I painted thee, in fancy, 
In a thousand ways. I deemed that fate 
Might crush thee, as it had thy lover— 
That thy woman's strength could not resist 



Orsini. 



Jdedcra. 



Orsini. 



14 M E D O R A . 

The pressure of misfortune's direful strokes ; 
And that, exhausted, thou wouldst sink 
Beneath th' accumulated woes, too heavy 
To be borne by gentleness like thine. I knew 
Thee tender, loving, virtuous, and true — 
I did not deem thee the heroic maid I 
Find thee now. Heaven forefend a fate 
That made Lucretia's name immortal should 
Be tftine, my love. If death unto thy 
Lover be the worst that can ensue, 
I care not ; but 'tis hard, in the full 
Flush of love, of manhood, and of manhood's 
Hopes, to die. Yet, Medora, should that 
Indeed be the doom in store for me, seek out 
The faithful Marco ; tell him to lead thee 
To the cot deep-hidden in Sicilian wilds, 
Where the fond, attached, and faithful being— 
The foster-mother of Orsini— dwells ; and there 
Deliver thee in trust to her whose tenderness 
Watch'd o'er my infancy, guarded the 
Footsteps of my boyhood, and loved me 
As her son. Tell her that my dying care 
Transferred thee to her own. 
Medora. Oh, peace, Orsini ! Let not these 

Gloomy thoughts distract thy breast. A day 
Of freedom, of happiness and love, methmks, 
Will yet be ours ; when we may seek 
The sweet security together, and bury in obscurity 
And bliss all memoiy of former woe. Let war 
And all its fierce alarms forever cease, and in our 
Own delight, we will forget that ever they existed. 
For obscurity and peace, within some vale, 
Secluded from the angry blasts that do disturb 
This sad and boisterous world, are surely 
Boons to be desired. To dwell beside some 
Gentle stream, whose banks lend rich odors 
To the wooing winds, where all the rich 
Tints and gentle joys that deck the 
Teeming earth may be our own, and where, 
When night's star-lit dome of aziu'e 
Softness beams above, with joined hands and 
Joyous hearts we'll thank the All-Wise 
Being who ruies the universe for ' the 
Calm delights that such existence knows. 
And when our earthly course be run, we'll hope 
That that clear heaven shall be our home 
Forever ! But why despondent dost thou hang 
Thy head, and why do gloomy thoughts o'ershade 



MBDORA. 15 

Thy brow ? Tell me, Orsini, does the 

Picture I so feebly draw delight thee not '? Has 

Medora no power to «ai».the sadness from 

Thy soul? £*£££) 

Orsini. Thy words, my gentle one, are balm to 

Heal a thousand hearts, though 

Kack'd and bleeding with a thousand doubts 

And fears. No, my Medora, we will not 

Yield to woe ; we will be merry, love. 

What matters these chains of iron — 

These walls of solid blackness, and the 

Tyrant's will, that dooms my freedom 

To their horrid bondage. Marco — my 

Faithful Marco — well can lead my men 

To conquest ; and Pietro, though seemingly the 

Faithful vassal of Arana, is my foster-brother, 

As thou knowest ; — none within these walls 

Suspect Pietro — do they, dearest ? 
Medora. None ; he came a stranger 

From a far-distant part of Italy. 

at hearing of thy capture. 

None know h:m, and Arana deems 

Him a willing tool to work his will. 

So far, all favors the dear-sought object 

Of my heart. With thee and freedom 

That I cannot doubt, Orsini. This aching 

Bosom that panteth now with hope 

And visions of a future ^i^ _,, 

[Enter Cablo, l. 
t'arlo. No longer must this interview 

Be held. Arana questions • . suspects, 

And seeks even now this lady's presence. 
Orsini. How ! what ! 
Medora. I come, v ,, faithful friend. 

He knows not of this stealthy interview. 

Does he, ? 

Carlo. No ; but he marvels that thy presence' 

Does not adorn the banquet, where, 

Surrounded by some followers, choice and 

Familiar friends, he quaffs his Greek wine 

In heavy draughts, drinking success unto his 

Arms, and confusion to his foes. Thrice has 

He dispatched Pietro to bring thee to 

The Hall, and now, with savage oaths. 

He wonders at thy obstinacy. 
Medora. What shall I do ? Tell me, Orsini. 
Orsini. Stir not. Remain, Medora. 

Here let the villain seek thee out. Lend 



16 



MEDORA 



Me thy dagger. 

Medora. No, no. Let not rashness counsel aught; 
Cool judgment now must aid our cause. 

conduct me to thy master, and the 
Secret of this act of mercy unto two 
Distracted souls shall never be divulged. 
If fortune ever favors those in misery now, 
Best well assured thy recompense is 
Certain. 

Carlo. Enough, lady, my heart applauds 

The deed I've done, and richer recompense 
Than that I seek not. 

Medora. Farewell, my Orsini ! [Rushing into his arms. 

Orsini. Adieu, iny love ! 

Medora. Remember, whatever fate has yet 

In store of woe for me, the truth and 
Endless love of her now folded to thy 
Breast. Farewell. [Exeunt Medoea and Cablo. 

Orsini. Propitious fates, be guardians of her 

Steps. Conduct her through the ordeal 

That love and truth demand. Upon Arana's 

Head pour down your wrath, eternal 

Powers. Oh, my Medora, how welcome were 

All the horrors of this dungeon and captivity, if 

Thy tender breast were but secured from 

All the wild suspense that harrows every 

Thought. Grant me freedom, Heaven. Grant 

Success unto Marco's arms. Shower destruction 

On our foes. Let not the faithfulness, the love, the 

Devotion, of the being I adore be unavailing. Let 

Not her tears be shed for naught ; her tenderness 

Be repaid with black despair ; her 

Watchfulness and all her fears end in unredeemed woe 



END OF ACT II, 



MEDORA 



17 



ACT III. 



.SCENE I.— The Banqueting Hall in the Castle Arana. 
Stephano, Knights, Guests and Revellers discovered sealed. 



Arana. Drain your goblets: quaff to the success of 
Our arms ! Down with Orsini ! 

All. Down with Orsini ! 

Arana. "Where is Pietro .' 

Stephano, Not returned, my lord. 

Arana. Seek him, Stephano. [Exit Stephano, l. 

The generous j nice of Cyprus vineyards 
Thrills my heart : my blood runs hot, and 
Madly through my veins ; in vain the smugglings 
Of reluctant honor, Medora must be mine. This 
Night shall seal Orsini' s doom ; all the wealth of 
Gold untold cannot redeem him ; too long like a 
Fearful fool, I've tarried in the act. I've nought 
To gain by mercy ; no, be that the 
Coward's Virtue. Yet hold, will slaying him 
Win the way to Medora' s heart? Bah ! what 
Care I for the heart. Her form is all I ask. 
I will possess that beauteous form ; no power 
Can stay my hand. No voice deny my will 
Within these walls. And yet I would not have my 
Memory blackened by deeds of infamy that 
No future course xan . - hide from 

The prying eye of busy censure ; and yet, 
She will not let act of priesthood e'en give 
Sanction to my love. N of laws of church. 
Nor man shall keep her from my arms— she 
Shall be mine ! Drink, followers of Arana, 
Drink to the fair Medora, the mistress 
Of your chief ! 

All. To the fair Medora, the mistress of our chief? 

Aram. The mistress of your chief.' 

r.. enter Medora, preceded by Pietro and Stephano. 

Arana. Ah, she comes ! Welcome to the banquet. 
3Iedora. My lord, I am no fit guest in hall like 

This. Why insult the helpless ? the rudest soldier 



18 



MEDORA 



Arana. 
Medora. 
Arana. 

3Ldora. 



Arana. 



Medora. 



Arana. 
Medora. 
Arana. 
Medora. 



In thyjiand would name e'er he would offer 

Useless, wanton insults to a captive ! 

Yet a willing one. [Comes down the stage. 

False ! 
Free were they thy steps, when thou did'st seek 
These walls 

And the heart that urged my feet to 
Seek them ne'er so doubted knighthood, honor, manhood, 
As to deem thou couldst detain them when its will 
Would take them hence ; what would' st thou ? speak, 
And end this conference, abhorrent to my nature 
And idle as abhorrent. 
Idle ! then thou guessest at my wish , and 
Hast resolved to dare my — yet beware ; I 
Hold Orsini's life within my grasp, one word of 
Thine can hasten on the doom I meditate, or set him 
Free forever. 

How ! free ? Speak Arana ; say that 
Word again, and though the tongue that utters 
It in the same breath should order this frail 
Frame to tortures and to death, I'll bless it for the 
Word. 

Be mine ? 

Never ! 
Then Orsini dies Dies within this hour. 
Here on my limbs waste all the torture of 
The murderer's art ; let new systems of torments 
Be essayed, and in the pangs that rend 
And agonize me then. I'll bless thy name, Arana, 
If thou wilt free Orsini ! Think in yon dread 
Dungeon where loathsome reptiles, creatures of slime 
And darkness, are his sole companions, how^KfLt" 
Gallant spirit yearns for liberty, think amid thy 
Cups of this, and let one gleam of mercy 
Penetrate thy soul. He was an open foe ; had 
Chance of battle laid thee fettered at his feet, 
Dost deem he would have held thee thus ? 
Canst think he could have joyed to know thy 
Spirit pined in misery ; that thy limbs were 
Galled by the biting chain, and the uncouth 
Savagery of goalers was all the language 
Met thy ear ? No solace to thy breast, 
From outward showing of thy fellow -ruan from 
Opening morn to weary eve ? 
Oh, Arana ! think when at the judgment seat 
Of the All-seeing, thou stand'st in the final hour, 
What will the horror of thy soul be then ? when 
In avenging tones thy cruel deeds are all 



MEDORA 



19 



Retold, and an eternal doom pronounced upon thy 
Head ; when no remorse can save thee ; no suppliant 
Tone can aid thee ! for thy soul's sake — 
Arana, pity and aid the captive in thy power. 

Aram. In vain ! thy pleadings are in vain. 

Dost think, that for a maiden's whim, the 
Foolish fancy of a woman's heart, I'd part 
With all that fortune flings into my hand ? 
Well can'st thou play the pleader ; but try 
Thy skill on simpler souls ; my heart thy 
Beauty vanquishes, but thy logic never can 
Convince my reason, although I'd almost 
Change places with my deadly foe, to know 
Such lovely lips, with such sweet eloquence. 
Would plead for me ; but were such my &v4ht~ 
Dreary fate, how vain the thought that ^wuifflju ii l 
Of tenderness or pity could be felt by tnee, or uttered 
By thy lips ; no, lady ; when power is held in an 
Enemy's hand, I well know how easily the heart 
Finds words to flatter and to fawn. What wouldst 
Thou give to free thy lover ? Be generous, and 
The morrow's sun sees him in safety far beyond 
These walls. 

Medora. My life. 

Arana. Thyself. 

Medora. Monster ! sooner the cold coil of the 

Serpent shall entwine my form, than thy loathed 
Anns embrace me. No, my Orsini ! death 
Comes but once ; life dies, but honor is immortal. 
Then welcome all this tyrant can inflict. 
Together shall our souls seek a higher world, where infamy 
Like his can never come ; where sorrows cease, and 
And all thy schemes and bloody acts are registered, 
Thou slave. [Crosses, r. 

Arana. Vengeance ! eternal furies ! quick. Stephano ! 
Bring the prisoner before me ! In chains, 
Let him make a sport for us ; his blood shall 
Stain our banquet hall ; and when the purple 
Tide is gushing forth ; then, woman, shalt thou 
Know, and know in vain, one act, one word of 
Thine had saved him. [Exit Stephano, r. 

Medora. Mercy ! Oh, call thy minion back ! 

Arana. Be mine ! 

Medora. Never ; no horror like to that. 

Arana. I'll torture him before thy face, 

In slowest agonies, thou shalt behold him 
Pant his life away, and call on thee to save him. 

Medora. Oh Heaven, where are thy lightnings ; where 



20 



MEDORA 



Are thy thunderbolts : my b^ain is 

Maddened by his impious rage ; [Aside. 

A ran a, hear me ; 

What fell wickedness is thine S what fieud possesses 

All thy soul ? Do not this deed of blood ; bid me do 

Some fearful tiling too direful for aught but fiend to 

Fancy, or madness to achieve, and I will do it, but spare 

The man I love : there are deeds too black to name in 

Sin's dread catalogue, too fearful for the memory 

Of hatred, too wild for e'en a maniac's dream, 

And this is one! [Grosses l. 

Aram. Medora ! I yet will spare my foe if thou — 

I will not stain me with his blood, if thou wilt 
Show one gleam of hope, if thou wilt bid me live in 
Hope of gaining one slight feeling of compassion for my 
Woe. Thou dost mistake my nature to suppose 
All harshness dwells within my breast ; ' 

.. but love for thee cloth banish 
Every other thought, and renders fierce my hate 
For every obstacle, that baffles it. My form is. 
Manly as Orsini's, my arm as daring, and my heart 
As firm : my love, my faith, as lasting. Say, 
Then, what is it. that thou seekest more than that ? 
All that wealth can give, if splendor doth delight thee, 
Shall lie thine : thou shalt rule o'er domains as 
Fair and broad as any lie beneath Sicilian 
Sun. No form of grandeur shall be foreign to thy 
Ken, and all I ask in recompense, is to be thy 
Slave ! Pause, e'er thy speakest ; think what 
Thou wilt be then ! The lady of Arana's towers 
Were peer of any dame in Italy. 

Medora. I caunot. will not give a cold, consenting 

Form, when certain loathing would accompany the 

Boon. I have no love, but for yon captive whose chains 

Are clanking in thy dungeons. No wish, but for 

His freedom. Take my life, and freely, for 

The gift I covet. Thou ne'er canst hope for more ! 

Aram. Enough ! Now hear my last resolve : 

Orsini dies to-night ; I tell thee this in calmness, not 

In rage. Ponder on the thought ; when the 

Bell's solemn note has tolled the midnight hour, 

Thou shalt behold his corse, bloody and 

Mangled at thy feet. Eemember, I am no boy 

To boast and act not. 

Where are the slaves ? Ho ! linger ye ? Who waits 

Without there? [Crosses, r. 

Medora. Yet, yet, in mercy, pause awhile, 

Forget not that thou canst not shape thine 



MEDORA 



21 



Ends so, but they may be balked 

In the moment of thy triumph What 

Act of sin e'er yet escaped the penalty awarded 

Unto crime ? [Retires, l. 

Enter Stephano, r. 1 e. 

Stephana. My Lord, the prisoner 

Arana. Speak, sir, what of him ? 

Stephano. Cannot be found. His cell is empty. 

All search within the walls has been made 
In vain. 

Arana. Villain ! traitors ! where are the traitors, who 

Have freed him ? A thousand curses on thy tongue 
For telling me the news. Hence! why stand' st thou 
Gaping here ? Eouse all my followers. A thousand 
Ducats forOrsini's head. His life ! his life! 

[Exit Stephano, and all but Arana and Medora. 

But thou art still my prisoner, [To Medora] and 
In thee I am revenged. Is this the gallant, 
Brave, noble lover whom thou boasted of, 
To forsake his mistress in his foeman's power, 
To seek safety by a flight, and leave 
Her to any doom, he cares not what ? 

Mf flora. Thou slanderer! Orsini's soul is true and 

Great as thine is contemptible and false. I know 
His truth, his worth ; and in that knowledge lie 
The abhorrence, the pity I conceive for thee, 

[Crosses, r. 

Arana. Beware ! Goad not the lion in his den ; 
Humility, not pride, befit thee now, and 
Pleadings, not insult, were better on thy tongue. 
But I will forgive thee all, if thou' It relent ; 
All that an ardent love can offer shall be thine. 
If not, from these walls thou, at least, shall ne'er escape, 
And in some cell, whose horrors will be tenfold 
Greater than all thou dost imagine of imprisonment, 
I'll hold thee captive until thou'lt kneel 
For mercy to the man thou scornest now ; 
For he whom thou hatest has the power to 
Keep good every threat he utters. 

Medora. I care not : thou canst not make me 

Yield, nor hate thee less. Hear me, ye Heavens ! 
Ere I relent unto this man of horror, doom me 
To fearfullest torments, consign my limbs to 
Agonies untold, forsake me in my direst 
Need, condemn me here and hereafter ; 



22 M E D O R A . 

Let the vilest slave that ever hugged his fetters 

Be a creature of joy excessive, a being to 

Be worshipped, an idol of adoration to all 

Coming time, compared to her who utters this 

Relentless vow. There is no power in manhood's 

Might to alter my resolve ; nought the heart 

Of cunning'st guile can utter or conceive, to make me 

Change or qualify the oath. [Crosses, l. 

Enter Carlo. 

Carlo. My lord, the sentinels avow, that under 

Cover of the darkness, the enemy has retreated 
From the siege. Stillness has succeeded 
All assaults against these battlements, and 
Sombre silence now possesses all the scene. 

Arana. Ah! Hearest thou that, Medora ? thy lover's 
End is gained. His daring followers are 
Worthy of their lord ; their flight is worthy of 
His leading. Who ever served a nobler chief ? 
What vassal ever served a braver peer ? what 
Maiden ever loved a truer swam, a more 
Devoted knight ? I marvel that thou dost 
Not kneel, and idolize some form thy fancy 
Shapes ; some creature of the u-iixjed tribe 
Would well, methinks, portray the god 
Thy morbid heart reveres. [Exit Carlo. 

Now, lady. I will leave thee to the sweet 
Thoughts thy bosom cherishes. Dwell upon his 
Tenderness, and ne'er forget his truth. [Exit, r. 

Medora. What means this action of Orsini ? He 
Cannot be recreant to his vows ! with 
Freedom, he never can forget his love ! No ! shame 
Upon this heart for conception of the thought. 
He seeks some way e'en now, whereby, doubtless, 
He can redeem me from Arana' s power. 
E'en now he seeks some opening tor 
The freedom of his love, and plots the 
Means to baffle the destroyer. Oh ! woman, 
How frail art thou in mild contentment's day ! 
How fragile in the hour of peace ; how tender 
In thy domestic joys ; but when love doth 
Nerve thee to acts of strangeness to thy 
Nature : how ready to assume the part 
Assigned thee ; be it fearful as the 
Roman's leap through Etna's fiery 
Jaws ! 
Oh, night i that hides my love, secure 



MEDORA 



23 



Him in thine arms ! Shield with thy mantle of 

Blackness the form that I adore i Let every star 
That decks thy solemn dome guide his steps 
To safety ; and when thy shadows leave the 
Earth, then let the morrow's sun herald him 
To conquest and Medora ! 

Re-enter Aran a, r., overhearing latter part of her speech. 

Arana. What, exultation is the theme ? what sanguine 
Soul is thine ! Vain maid, and canst thou still 
Delight in vision of a fancied bliss, when every 
Hope has flown ? Fate shows no mercy to a 
Love like thine; thou'rt doomed to woe, if still 
Thy stubbornness persist to worship that thou ne'er 
Shalt again behold ! 

Medora. Taunt me as thou wilt, thy words 

Can not distract one thought of love from him, 

Nor lend one pang to prey upon my heart. 

I know Orsini's free, and now defy thy 

Mercy and thy hate. [Oiosses, l. 

Arana. Defy me ! What shallow bravery ; what 

Mockery is this ? Knowest thou not, one word 

Of his thou pretendest to despise can doom 

Thee to the torture ? Within these walls none dare 

To question aught I do resolve. All here are 

Slaves unto my will, and thou shalt not 

Be more. I will bend 

That haughty spirit, despite thv stubborn 

Will, I'll [Seizes her. 

Medora. Help ! Unhand me, or 

Arana. Never ! Promise to be mine, or by the 

Fiends of darkness, all hope of mercy shall 

Be closed unto thy prayers. [Medora falls upon her knees. 

Medora. Unhand me, monster ! Help me. 

Heaven ! 

Arana. Swear to be mine ! 

Medora. Never ! 



Enter Carlo and Stephano. 

Stephano. My lord ! Arana — 

The eastern tower's on fire. In one 
Wild flame of red consuming ruin it soars 
Aloft into the midnight air, and illumines all the 
Darkness of the scene. 

[The conflagration seen through the windows of the banqueting 
hatt. Shouts, u. & l. 



24 



M E DOR A . 



Aram. [Releasing Medora.] Confusion ! Whence 
Comes this treason ? Ho ! treachery's at 
Work within these walls ! How redly glare the flames. 
Their heat oppresses, even here. 

Carlo. Hasten, my lord ! thy presence is 

Needed. Wild distrust unnerves thy followers. 

Arana. I come ! I come ! 

[Exit, followed by Stephano and Carlo. 

Medora. I thank thee, Heaven ! [She kneels.} Here, amid the 
Fearful glare of burning ruin, I thank 
Thee ; 'tis Thy hand that rescues the distressed. [Rises. 
How wildly, madly leaps the fearful element. 

Goes to the window. Shouts without, k. 
Aye ! shout, ye 

Hirelings, shout ! A sudden thought inspires me— 
Escape amid the wild confusion. Aid me now, all 
Powers divine ! [Goes w the door.] 'Tis fast ; barred 
Without! Mercy! [Goes to the windows alternately.] 
How lofty are these walls. Ha ! the smoke 
Comes through the casements and is stifling ; the 

Heat is meat ; the Oh, horrid thought ! what 

If the fire reach this hall ! what, if escape should be 
Denied me ! if all my efforts should be vain, and I 
Perish in these flames ! Orsini ! Orsini ! where art 

thou ? 
Some kind spirit aid me now ! how fearful this 
Death ! To stifle mid this hellish din ; the air seems 
Thick, thicker, thicker ! Oh, God ! I choke ! I— 
(Falls senseless. Loud shouts. Flames burning red within 
Casement. 



END F ACT 



M E D O R A . 25 



ACT w. 

SCENE I. — Outside the Walls of the Castle of Aeana. Moon- 
light. 

Enter Ptetko and Orsini, l. d. e. 

Piefro, Here cower we awhile, my lord, until Carlo 

Comes, and brings us tidings of your lady's fate. 

Orsini. Art sure of Carlo *? If lie betray bis trust, 

Then all is over — nothing's left me but revenge ! 

Pietro. Hist ! what sound was that ? 

Orsini. What heard'st thou ? 

Pietro. 'Twas nothing — the loneliness of the hour and 

Orsini. Footsteps approach! Aside, and mark who 

Comes ! {.They retire up. 

Enter Carlo, r. it. e. 

( urlo. Near this spot I was to meet Pietro, 

And give him tidings of the Lady Medora. 
This night's work would cost me my head, 
Should Arana ever make discovery of my handy 
Work therein. [Pietro and Orsini advance. 

Pietw. Who's there ?— Carlo ? 

( hrlo. 'Tis I. 

Orsini. How fares it with my love — my 
Medora ?— speak ! 

Carlo. She lives, and pines to meet her lord : 

These were the words she bade me speak 
To thee. 

Orsini. And is she well, my friend, and free ? or has the 

Tyrant put fetters on the form I love ? Are those beau- 
teous 
Limbs bedecked with galling chains ? Tell me, I 
Implore thee ! 

Carlo. My lord, the lady is free of dungeon or 

Of chains, but all her acts are noted with a 
Jealous care. She cannot wander from the 
Space allotted by Arana to her movements. 

Orsini. For this, I thank thee, Heaven ! Nay, even 

Thank my foe, who thus doth spare her. Now, 
Friend, the news ? What hour shall see our 



26 



M EDO R A 



Carlo. 



Orsini. 



Pietro. 



Orsini, 



Entrance in yon tower, as the avengers of suffering 
Innocence and truth ? 

To-morrow ev'ning, as the vesper-bell tolls the 
Hour of parting day, be ready with a chosen band of 
Thy followers. Collect them on this spot, and I will 
Lead them through a secret winding-path, cut through 
The battlements, and leading, through the bowels of the 
Earth, to the very centre of Arana's stronghold. 
'Tis well ; at the hour thou namest shall 
Thou find me here, all ready for the straggle. 
My bravest followers shall accompany their chief, and 
With thy assistance, my friend, we will accomplish 
AH the dearest wishes of my heart. No sleep shall 
Bless my eyelids until then. I will not, cannot rest, 
And the wildest hopes that ever racked a lover's breast 
Are mine ! Assist me, now, all powers that ever aided 
Tenderness and truth ! Guide me with your wisdom, 
And nerve me with your might ! Lead me through 
Seas of blood — I care not, so they bear me to 
Medora's arms ! 

Those walls shall totter to their base ere yon 
Moon rises thrice again —in the same hour illume the 
Scene. Love and vengeance — heroic themes ! — 
Herald me to conquest !— preserve me for Medora's sake ! 
And yet, a fearful pang doth shoot within my heart : 
What if, when the vesper-bell resounds within these 
Wilds, the hour be past and fled forever that could 

m Medora from the thraldom I deplore! what if 
Arana should execute his threat, and, furious at 
Delay, should bend that noble mind ! —should, 
By the brutal might of a reckless nature, inflict 
Distress too fearful to be borne, or dreamed of, but 
By lovers in their frenzy ! 

'Arana ! shouldst thou dare to follow up this villainy 
By an odious act, there are no tortures in the plotting of 
A fiend to match with those I ponder on, nor fire, nor 
Poison of the deadliest roots, nor savage steel, nor 
Any means, how fearful soe'er, to equal the 
Horrors I will heap upon thy head ! [Grosses e. 

Be calm, my lord. Sure fortune hath not in 
The compass of her wide domain one spot where 
Such accumulated wrongs could lie and rest secure. 
Do not so misjudge the decrees of righteous Heaven as 
Suppose— should such a sin as that Arana 
Contemplates e'er reach its foul consummation— 
A fearful penance will not fall upon the 

Traitor's head 

In vain, Pietro — 'tis in vain thy 



M EDORA 



21 



Pietro. 
Orsini. 



Pietro. 
Orsini. 



Carlo. 



Orsini. 

Carlo. 

Pietro. 



Kindness seeks to assuage my anguish ! I could 
Tear yon walls apart, and leave no living thing 
Within them to bewail their fall ! I'd hurl 
Destruction on his head of a nature so direful, 
That all future time shall shudder at the story of 
My wrongs and my revenge ! 

My lord. I entreat thy patience ! 
Oh, patience ! patience ! ay, give me patience, 
Heaven ! Send me your aid to guide me now ! 
Preserve my senses, for woes like mine are fearful to 
Endure ! She is the dearest creature that a 
Mortal ever worshipped, the goddess of 
My idolatry ! 

Her desperate truth may yet do more than these idle 
Hands can hope to achieve and avenge her 
Yet unspotted honor, and I too late to save, 
May compass nought but the death I promise to our 
Foe ! Oh ! show me, Pietro, show me quickly some 
Means to reach the goal I seek, the vengeance 
I desire ; and ask the greatest boon that friendship 
Ever gave — it shall be thine. Dost hear me, Pietro ? — 
Dost understand these pangs that agonise my heart ? — 
These tortures that distraction give to love like mine ? — 
That know no hope, no relief, but in vengeance, 
Unalloyed and sudden ? 

My lord, the vengeance that thou seekest shall be 
Thine. Doubt it not, for all the powers of goodness do 
Espouse thy cause and battle on thy side. 
Grant it so, ye powers that o'ersway the 
Acts of mortals ! Grant innocence to be triumphant ! 
Let powerful guilt be levelled in the dust ! 
Then Earth will know one monster less, and 
Virtuous love shall vindicate her right ! Honor, 
Justice, love, and truth, are all arrayed in this 
Conflict against pride, power, and iniquity ! 
Sharpen my sword in trie hoTsr of battle, and nerve 
This arm to val'rous deeds, which shall with a fatal 
Haste hurl fierce destruction on Arana's head! 
My lord, time flies, and I must leave this 
Place, and seek my post in yonder castle, ere 
Knowledge of my absence shall arouse suspicion, 
And the gloomy tyrant call me to answer, and 
So, perchance, "destroy the hope I've raised within your 
Heart. 

I thank thee ; farewell ! be true. 
And I'll reward thy faith. 

Thanks, my lord ; farewell. [Exit Caelo, b. 

Let us now prepare the vassals for the struggle 



2$ 



MEDORA. 



Of to-morrow. Marco tells me that though death has 

thinned 
Their numbers in the fight, still then* spirits are unsub- 
dued. 
Orsini. Spartan heroes ; for if bravery indomitable 

Can give that title to a soldier, it is yours. I know your 

Ardor, and revere yom- zeal. "When in the dungeon 

Of Arana, pining, how well I know that they did battle 

for my 
Liberty ; the freedom of a chief whom direst fortune 
Could not lessen in their care 
And love. The leader who has a place in the 
Hearts of his soldiers, Pietro, is the owner of the strength 
With which they shower their blows upon the foe. 

[Exeunt l. 

SCENE II. — The Camp of Orsini — Tents in the Distance — Sol" 
diers Reclining on the Ground — Sentinels on Guard — 
Watch Feres, &c. 



Marco. 



Pietro. 
Marco. 



Enter Marco and Pietro, l. 

When the vesper bell tolls, sayest thou, Pietro ? Is that 

the 
Hour for the assault ? 

It is. 
How fares my lord, my noble foster-brother ; is 
He well ? Does hope keep lively in his breast, or has 
Dull despair taken possession of those faculties his 
Friends adrnire ? 
Pietro. No, not despair ; but still, a nameless dread doth seem 

To keep him frein those cheerful thoughts methinks a 

soldier 
Should possess upon the eve of strife. Should aught 

befal the 
Noble lady of his love, victory were fruitless to his arms. 
All his thoughts, and all his daring in the assault, will 
Be Medora's. Thyself, Marco, must keep the guidance 
Of our men, nor let one thought from that great end 
Escape thee. Thy judgment and collectedness are 
Proof against excitement's errors ; and where the 
Heart is calm the brain is ever cool. 
Marco. I'll do my best, Pietro, the greatest chief could d; 

No more ; and more I'd do than for myself I'd strive 
To accomplish. Be this sufficient for my conscience 
And for thy anxiety. 
Pietro. Enough, my friend, I know thee well, and do not 
Doubt thv valor or thy zeal. 



MEDORA 






Marco. So let this night be pix> Whex I 

Our chieftain wander forth ; for - I 
Tent it was empty. 

nd doubtless seeks reb 
Thin ting over his woes. How long this day wii; 

along 
Ere the welcome moments come when we shall battle 

much thinned with th 
Fierce ast na. 

rt still their - rare, and I 

The weakness of their limbs. I warrant me their bi 
wii'. 

in the work I know 

Xo dread n by 

Sur. Eailbeiui ..quer. 

PiebrOk I . 

- :>nest 
Man must his J . Methinks : i -. y pang our 
Loi ind within his dungeon, a gaping 

:nd will let 

m iUuniin-r - 
. No fault of mine or thine, Pietro, if it be not as 

Tli Still, we must not let an over confidence 

Dec 

The very end we 1 

Th be our guiding stars, and with tk e kand 

Of heaven at our side. Ai 
numbered. Wh 
I rain. W 
And every serf thai ur eonqu : 

An.. - rhen. Pie*. 

That's a virtue never kno^vn unto our foe. or 
Ever offered to his enemi 
rae : but an iood our chieftain sk 

izd spirit. 
. triumph emu! ie th generous vj 

"We anro - - me h 

lid 
-. And weD dd 

Be the 1 - 

- - 

ro -. true, Pietro ; 

. m friend.- lesta 



30 MEDORA. 

Our ears have drank their dying groans, we lose all 
Sense of mercy to the foe who caused the suffering. 

Pietro. Well, success unto our cause, for ours is the 

"Warfare of the oppressed. We fight for female 
Loveliness and purity, enthralled within a tyrant's power. 

Marco. But these to-morrow's midnight shall set free. 

Pietro. I hope and trust in the goodness of cm- cause. 

[Enter Oesini, l. 
But see, Orsini comes. Why dost thou ponder all 
Alone, and dost not cheer thy followers for the 
Coming fight, my lord ? Dost dread the sequence 
On't ? or dost thou plot some easy plan of conquest 
Yet to be divulged ? Speak, sir, and cheer your vassals ? 

Orsini. Oh, friends! there is a fearful weight oppresses 

Me ! A sad foreboding. I never yet did shun the 
Danger that I urged upon my soldiers, nor do I now. 
I fear that all our efforts may be too late, and 
That very thought unmans my nature. I know if 
Such dread surmises should prove true, 'twould 
Paralyze my arms and render feeble as an 
Infant's all the strength I now can boast, and 
Life itself would be a bitter boon. No, my friends, 
Orsini has but one desire, one wish — to tear my 
Dear bethrothed love from yon tyrant's power ! 
How vainly I repent the freedom I have gained, and 
Wish again I pined in chains within the dungeon that 
My foe assigned to my unwholsome captivity. There is no 
Despair like that we feel for those whom we adore ; and 
Nothing doth unnerve the strength of manhood and 
Stay the deeds his valor ponders on, as that sudden 
Chilling of the heart that pales the cheek and 
Arrest, the intended stroke, when fear that 
What we strike to rescue is no more, benumbs the arm. 

Marco. Cheer up, Sir! Your soldiers must not see this. 

You must bear a cheerful countenance before them. 'Tis 
Needed much in times like these. Let no distress appear 
Upon thy brow nor cloud thine eye. 

Orsini. Well, well. I trill be cheerful. I will forget the 

Cause that makes me thus. Forget ! I cannot ! As easy 

Could the saddest victim of another's malice forget 

All injuries, and forgive, although that victim 

Had to pardon the foul destroyer of all his race ! 

I know this melancholy preys upon my heart. I cannot 

Divine the cause of all the sadness and this brooding. 

I mourn beneath an undefined load 

Of grief. All nature is a blank of misery to 

My eye. My brain seems turning with the long 

Suspense, and direst thoughts do course athwart 



MEDORA. 31 

My mind. I fear, yet know not what I fear. 
I tremble at a shadow. A passing pang within 
My heart at times, is like a death knell 
In mine ear ! What calmness or what hope 
Can lighten my despair, when all I 
Desire to see secnre from distrust or danger, 
Tempestuous fears and griefs are bowed beneath 
A reckless libertine's fell regard, trembling at 
His frown, and praying vainly for one glimpse of 
Mercy that his nature knows not nor can know. 
Marco. My lord, these dreads and doubts are 

Worse than vain, they are fatal to your cause. Away 
With gloomy despair ! True hope can never know 
Fatigue. It mounts aloft defiant of restraint, and 
Victory is his whose daring foot would climb the 
Highest pinnacle. No feebleness must find a place 
Within ranks ! No faintheartedness prevent the 
Proud consummation of thy dearest wishes. We must 
Achieve a conquest and destroy the foe, regardless 
Of all cost and let my lord but clear his brow, and 
Not a doubt remains within my soul, but that 
Arana's doomed. So cheer thee, lord. 
Orsini. Thy words would bring a comfort to my woe, if 

Eloquence of mortal man could accomplish it, but 
Marco, say no more ! I will not trouble thee with further 
Doubts. I will not recompense thy generous self-denial 
And thy valor for my cause, by such ingratitude. I 
No more deplore a fate I know not nor can plainly 
Tell, but will drive it hence from my breast. Again 
I'll lead my soldiers to the fight — and my willing 
Sword shall leap, all joyous, from my scabbard 
And defy the proud, exulting foe. Come on, my 
Friends, let's cheerily wait the vesper bell, and 
May its welcome sound awaken joy and 
Triumph to our arms, and destruction to the enemy. 

[Turning and addressing the soldiers as they rise in groups'] 
My gallant followers, who long have rushed where 
Honor and your chieftain led, to-night shall lead you 
To another conquest. Bright be your swords ! avenging be 
Their blows ! Let your spirits be exalted with the strife. 

Your 
Limbs be nerved with a fiery vigor, no hostile power can 
Stay. A righteous cause is that you fight— for a 
Tyrant and a traitor to honor and knighthood 
Is the foe, whom you confront. Then let his minions 
Know your courage, and bleed upon your blades of shining 

steel. 
AIL They shall— they shall ! 



32 MEDORA. 

Orsini. Kemember your wives and sisters, and your 

Promised brides. Ye fight for them ! Kemember 
Outraged innocence, helpless maidenhood, feeble 
And enthralled. Kemember tyranny, and 
Freedom ! Arana's villany and Orsini' s vengeance. 
The victim turned avenger ! forget not these, and when 
Ye strike, strike home, and be your temples crowned 
With laurels an eternity cannot wither ! 

All. Orsini \ Orsini ! 

Enter two Knights. 

1st Knight. My Lord ! Orsini. 

Orsini. Speak, thy will with me ? 
1st Knight. A force of the beleaguered foe has sallied 

From the castle, and now approach the pass leading to 
Our encampment ; to surprise us do they come with 

secret 
Strength and silent tread ; an hour's march will bring 
them here. 
Omni. Then we must meet them, Marco ! 
Marco. My lord ! 
Orsini. Prepare for battle, everv man that fights 

Beneath mv banners. We'll meet the audacious foe, who 
Dares to hope he'll steal upon a slumbering host. By 
Heavens, the thought of clashing arms inspires me with a 

cheerful 
Spirit, and lends a fire unto my veins ! Go, learn if their 
Foremost ranks be now in view from yonder nearest 
Height. [Exit 2d Knight.] Come, my valiant vassals ; 
Prepare the thirsty steel, and dim its lustre in the 
Flowing veins of foemen ; this day's combat will 
Begin ere your leader deemed. He scarce had hoped 
For such a joyous chance. Claim victory as your 
Right. Clutch it and 'tis yours; no delay when your 

ear 
Shall catch the cry that commands ye make the 
War your own. One gallant charge ? swoop from these 
Heights like eagles on their prey ! 

Enter 2d Knight. 

2d Knight. [In haste.] My lord, the foe has 

Gained the pass ; let the men march forward 
And meet them ere they issue thence, and ere their 
Senses can perceive the danger, hurl destruction on 
Their heads ! 



MEDORA. 33 

Marco. My lord, these words are pood ; by a sudden 

Stroke we will o'erwhelm them. Now lets meet our — 

Orsini. Then forward, friends ! Hush upon them, and 

Destroy ! like bloodhounds, fresh from the leash, 
Spring forward now ! [Exit Orsini, r. 

SCENE III.— A Mountain Pass. 

Enter Abana's Forces with Banners, Spears, and Stephano leading them, 
followed by two Officers, l. u. e. 

Stephano. Halt ! [Forces halt.] Where are our scouts ? 

1st Off. Not yet returned, sir. 

Stephano. Strange ! this augurs ill, and sounds mnch 

Like an ambush ; they should be here ere this, and 
Bring us word of the exact force of the enemy, where 
Lies their strength, and the surest point of assault, 
Whence our men can rush upon and overwhelm 
Them ! 
2d Off. This silence, too, amid these hills is ominous of 
Some surprise intended by the foe. This — 

[Loud shouts without of Orsini ! Orsini ! 
Stephano. What treachery is this ? 
1st Off. The foe ! They come ! they come ! 

Enter forces of Orsini, r & e., hemming in those of Abana. 
Musvg, shouts. Enter Orsini. He rushes upon Ste- 
phano, they fight. Genera 1 metee, Orsini's forces victo- 



E N D OF ACT IV 



34 



MEDORA. 



ACT V. 

SCENE I.— A Room in the Castle of Abana. 



Mr 



ja discovered kneeling at a shrine, c. 



Medora. [Rising and coming down the stage.~\ Thrice hath 

Night's black mantle o'ershadowed the earth since 

Orsini 'scap'd these walls ; and few and fearful 

Have been rny hours of repose since then ; 

Arana seeks me ever and anon, and urges 

The suit I loathe. Sure, the time draws 

Near when I may hope for freedom from this 

Thraldom, this killing torture of the soul ; 

Every sound that comes up to these casements 

Excites my heart to frenzy ; oh, had I not 

Fainted in the stifling smoke that filled 

Yon banquet hall, I had, perchance, been free 

Ere this, and happy in the arms of him 

My soul adores. [Paces the apartment.} Oh! 

The agony of this suspense ! Heaven ! when shall 

I find repose and peace ? 

Enter Carlo, l. 

Well, speak: say what comfort has thy 
Tongue to utter. Speak some words of 
Solace, and I'll kneel to thee and bless 
Thee!' 

Lady, to-night, when the bell shall toll the 
Vesper hour, I have agreed to lead the Lord 
Orsini and his vassals through a secret passage 
Known but to a few within these walls, where 
And when they can possess them of the castle's 
Strength, and crush the spoiler in the 
Stronghold of his pride ; 

Eternal powers be praised ! 
Lady, be cautious and prepared. 
Fear me not ; I have suffered deeply, 
But am happy now. Thy words are Heaven's balm of 
Comfort to this aching breast. My friend ! My friend ! 
Receive a captive's thanks. . [Grosses, e. 

Lady, I dare not linger; I must hence 
Again. One word, one look, incautious said or given, 
Would ruin all and seal thy fate; farewell, 
Be cautious and be ready. [Exit, l. 

Medora. Oh, bliss! oh, rapture! welcome, eve, welcome 

The hour of deliverance and joy ! Oh, Orsini ! prosper him 



Carlo. 



Medora. 

Carlo. 

Medora. 



Carlo. 



MEDORA. 35 

All powers that pity feeble woman, all powers that 
Aid distress and frown upon oppression ; may no 
Mischance await him in the hour of strife ; no evil 
Hand forbid his triumph ; shield him in danger ; 
Preserve him for this beating heart to bless; [J'rosses, b. 
Ha ! what sounds are those ? the trampling of feet 
Within the court— the sound of many voices 
In confusion. What means these cries ? 

{Shouts without. 

Re-enter Carlo, l. 

Carlo. Lady, a sallying party of Arana's vassals 
This morning stole upon Orsini in his 
Camp, headed by Stephano, but were 
Driven, with fearful slaughter and utterly routed, back. 
Arana, wild with fury, like some savage 
Beast, doth rave with fiercest oaths on all, 
And even now gave utterance to thy name. 

Medora. My name ? What mean'st thou ? Has 

Some new species of torture entered his corrupted 
Heart? 

Carlo. I know not, but came to warn thee and 

Pray thee to be calm and watchful for 
The promised hour. 

Medora. I understand thee, and thank thee, too. 
Be still, my heart. 

Carlo. I go, lady; again, farewell. [Exit, l. 

Medora. Farewell, thou faithful servitor, farewell, 

And mayst thou know, if ever fearful trials should 

Beset thy path, a heart as true as thine to feel 

For thee and aid thee in thy trouble. 

Arana's vanquished host now throng the court and 

Alley of this castle, and his fierce spirit chafes at 

Then- repulse. All the savageiy of his nature 

Will be roused within him, all the fury of the 

Wolf will glare within his eye. 

What if Orsini's valor fail him in the moment of 

His need— if chance of battle should give the 

Triumph to Arana's arms. Oh, that's a 

Maddening thought, I will not cherish it an instant. 

Hence, black delusions ! ye cheat not this heart 

Of one gleam of joy. I feel within me Orsini's own 

Victorious soul. I do not doubt nor fear nor— 

Enter Aeana, l. 

\rana. Madam, I seek your presence to inform 

You that the time expires to-night I've given thee. 
Choose thy fate. 



36 



MEDORA 



Medora. 

Arana. 
Medora. 

Arana. 



Medora. 



Arana. 



Medora. 



Arana. 



Medora. 

Arana. 



Medora. 



Arana. 



'Tis well. 
Hast thou decided, then ? 
I'll tell thee hereafter when the time thou 
Hast allotted me, expires. [Crosses, l. 

[Aside] Curses on her pride. 
Medora, may I not hope thou wilt be merciful ? 
Why wilt thou thus be always harsh and cruel to a 
Love, as tender as his who has forsaken thee ? 
If thou wilt not curb thy tongue of insults, wanton 
As profane, I implore thee leave me to myself. 

[ Grosses, r. 
Vain and foolish woman — nay pardon me, I 
Meant not that, I did not intend insult, nor 
Do I feel aught but passion and adoration 
For thy charms. Not in the wide circumference of the 
Globe breathes there the being I adore like thee. Heaven 
Itself. 

Oh, cease this idle talk, my lord; thou knowest 
'Tis vain and hollow as the winds that murmur 
O'er some barren waste. I cannot prize a heart 
I do not covet ; nor can I, with hideous guile, pretend 
To offer hope of love, when all that I can give — 
Is hatred ! Perdition ! Why. fool-like, 
Do I suffer this, and let thee taunt me 
Thus ? Knowest thou not I have the power to bend 
That haughty spirit? Hast thou forgotten in whose 
Power thou art ? In whose presence thou art standing, 
And whose fury thou defiest ? Kemember, I 
Hold thy liberty, thy life within my hand, and 
Could hide thee from the eye of mortal man until 
The final hour. Provoke me not; too much 
Of that haughty spirit thou dost show for 
Policy, fair lady. [ ( rosses, R. 

But not for truth and love. 
And well that truth and love of thine 
Have been repaid. He deserted thee, as thou see'st, 

and as 

Well thou knowest he has not deserted me. 

He knows not the baseness of so mean a soul. He 

Is peer mito ten thousand such as thee ! I care 

Not for thy fronws, nor for thy curses ; thy threats 

I fear not. I despise thy nature. Thy treacherous 

Soul can nothing plot I dread to meet. Go, 

Lord it o'er thy vassals and thy trembling slaves, 

But seek not to subdue or terrify the generous 

Heart of woman, when she loves. [Grosses, r. 

By heaven, this gallant show befits th j e 

Well, and despite this bravery, thou shalt yet 



.MEDORA. 37 

Be his thou scoruest. I swear it by all the 

Powers of darkness. [Advances as though to seize her. 

Medora. [a] Beware! [Drawing dagger and placing the point to her 
breast. 
Or this steel shall be my savior. 
Approach one step, and the next thou 
Takest will be toward my bleeding corse. My 
Blood be on thy head. 

Arana. Hold ! hold thy desperate hand ! I do relent, 

And will seek some fitter time to urge my suit. [Exit, l. 

Medora. Oh, mercy! mercy! [Dropping her dagger-hand, and bury- 
ing her face between her knees and 
sinking to the ground. 
Oh, my trembling heart support me ! Do not 
Forsake me now. Oh ! grant me strength, ye 
Powers that shelter the distressed, to live throughout 
The fearful ordeal to which I'm doomed. 
Soften the villain's breast and teach it pity. [Bises. 

Oh, for some way to escape this horror ; the 
Vesper hour will never come ; I will not longer 
Tarry here ; I cannot, dare not linger here. 
Protect me, Heaven; guide me on the path I tremble, 

pursue. 
Oh, for the fresh air of mountain freedom, the sylvan 
Fruit of the verdant vale where birds and fruits and 
Flowers and joy and peace shall be our own again. 
One desperate effort; but if I fail— away despair! 
I will not doubt the goodness of all-seeing Heaven. 
Now for escape, now— [Exit through door in fiat, e. 

SCENE H. —A Brilliant Apartment in the Castle. 

Arana discovered pacing the room in great agitation, and Stefhano 
standing, r. 

Arana. Fled ! —escaped me ! curses on the slaves ! 

Treachery and an evil fate beset me on all sides. 

Now, as I held joy to my lips, 'tis snatched from 

Me, and I'm laughed to scorn, despised, derided and 

Defied ; but all who aided her in flight shall 

Die in tortures no demons can conceive. 

Who were —hast discovered yet the minions 

That assisted her ? Hast thou, too, been careless in the 

Search ? 

Stephano. All has been done, my lord ; no pains been spared 
To find the fugitive or aiders in her flight ; scouts 
Have left the castle, and between these walls and 
Orsini's camp, no spot is left unsearched. 



38 MEDORA. 

Arana. Yet all in vain ? — why tell me this ? — renew 
The search ! leave naught untried ! penetrate 
The camp itself! she must be found! and when 
Found— what then ? By all the fiends, if she 
Again escape me. I forgive all ills that e'er before 
Befell my race : Stephano ! 

Stephano. Your will, my lord ? 

Arana, My will?— fool! my will ? 'tis this : 

To hold Medora in my grasp, and defy all 
Earth and earthly powers and Heaven itself 
To rescue her ! dost hear me, man ? I tell thee, 
Thou must bring her here ! 

Stephano. It shall be tried sir, 

Arana. Tried ! It shall be done, or on thy 

Own head shall fall the doom I never yet 
Pronounced in vain. Bring her before me, and 
One half my wealth, one half my power are thine. 
Fail to do so, and a thousand tortures shall 
Keward thy lack of zeal, begone ! I 
Speak not twice ! I am resolved. 

Stephana. My lord, I go to execute your will. {Exit, k. 

Arana, Oh place her in my power again, saints or fiends, 
Bring her before me and I'll clip her wings for 
All future flights. 

Can she have reached Orsini ? and does she laugh 
My idle rage to scorn ? Oh, idiot, idiot, that I was 
To hold them in my power and let them fly 
Me thus ! 

Enter Stephano, k. 

Stephano. I give you joy, my lord. 

Arana. How? — what? 

Stephano. The lady — 

Arana. Speak, what of her, Stephano? 

Stephano. Has been recaptured and is now 

Within these walls. 

Arana. Recaptured, sayest thou ? in my power 

Again? Bring her before me; now revenge ! 

[Exit Stephano, e. 
Now joy, I'm all your own, Ha ! ha ! 
By Heavens, this exulting fire that courses 
Through my veins is the delirious frenzy of 
A maniac's rapture. I have her once again, 
Once and forever. No pause, no hesitation, 
No mercy now ; she shall be mine in spite 
Of virgin's fears and tears and curses. 
She shall be mine ! 



M E D O R A . 

For aU the scorn I have endured at her 
Hands, all the defiance of her lips and 
Eves, I shall be amply repaid. 
Then let Orsini tremble ; he may despise my 
Coward vassals. I conquer him m love ; the 
Victory is mine ! Oh ! fates that rule my destiny, 
I thank your guidance and your benevolence. 
The maid— the haughty maid, that spurned my 
Heart— shall be my slave. 

Enter Medoea, Stephano, and four Knights, b., 12. 

Welcome again fair maid. Thy flight to reach 
Thy flying lover, cruel fate decreed should be 
In vain. Thou art doomed again by adverse fortunes, 
Savage blasts, to find a haven in these towers. 
I grieve to tell this, but truth, howe'er unwelcome 
To the ear, ought not to be withheld. Again I bid thee 
Welcome, lady. 
Medora Thy words of taunt and insult have 

No effect upon this heart of mine. The depths of its 
O'erbearing woe renders me all regardless of the utterance 
Of thy lips. 
Aram. Retire. [JW aJl but Abana and Medoba, b. 

Now, lady, we're alone. Let hopes thy bosom 
Cherish'd, leave thee now ; no power that man 
Can wield can save thee from my will. Again 
I offer thee my hand in bonds of wedlock. Again 
I offer thee the title of Arana's bride, the lady of 
These wide domains— no answer ? Dost thou spurn 
This offer, or accept it ? No trifling now can serve thy 
Turn ! A firm resolve is centered in my soul to call 
Thee mine, by priesthood's aid, if thou consent'st 
To be a willing bride ; if not, without it, then ! 
Medora. In calm disdain and virtuous pride I scorn 

Thee, slave ! Thou niay'st lord it o'er thy vassals ; 

Their suppliant knees may do thee homage, their 

Pliant tongues, with hirelings huzzas laud 

Thee and thy felon deeds ! but from Medora's 

Lips no word of meek submission comes to ears of 

Thine : and for my soul, contempt is all the 

Feeling it conceives for thee. A traitor to honor 

Thou stand'st, and infamy shall brand 

Thy memory unto all coming time. May no comfort 

Bless thee on thy dying day! alone mayst thou 

Linger out a weary life of shame, 

Despised by the meanest of mankind, 

And scorn and hatred contemn thy name 

Forever. [Crosses,-*. 



40 



MEDORA. 



Aram. Enough ! Beware ! Thou art mine despite 
Thy virtuous indignation. Eage fires my 
Heart, and revenge claims thee for my 
Victim. [Shouts heard without. 

Ha ! What means those shouts ? 

Enter Stephano, l. 

Stephano. My lord, the castle is attacked. 

These halls already swarm with thy foes. 
Arana, Confusion ! Whence comes this ? What 

New plot of treason's this ? 

Enter a Knight, e., with a crimson scarf in his hand, 

My lord, Orsini's slain ! He led 

Th' assault and fell pierced with wounds. 

Here is the scarf he always wore in battle — 

[Gives it to Arana. 
A thousand thanks for news like this. 

[Exit Knight and Stephano. 
Now then my triumph comes at last. Ho, there ! 

Without there ! Keep back the slaves until 

Medora, thou art mine ! I have thee now ! 
Expect no relenting mercy ! Thou'rt mine ! 
Thou'rt mine ! 

Stand back ! Eternal Powers receive me now ! 
[As Arana approaches her site 
Draws her dagger and stabs herself.] Ah, 
Monster ! Have I baffled thee ?— and 
Didst thou think a woman's hand coild 

Not preserve her honor!— Oh, God ! I [Falls. 

Shouts icilhout. Enter Orsini and faces e. 
Abana stands aghast.] 
Ho, villain ! Perish ! [Stabs Arana who falls and dies. 
What's this V— Oh, my Medora ! 

[Seeing Medoka, rashes to her and supports her.'] 
Thou art not slain ! I thought thee 
Dead and killed myself, e'er yon 
Slave should triumph, love, 
Thy scarf was brought as proof of thy fall. 
Oh, vile deceit ! Oh, devilish cunning ! 
Farewell, my love, this pang destroys 
All life. My spirit flutters to depart ! Oh, 
God! Orsini, 1 Farewell!— [Dies. 



Knight. 



Arana. 



Medora, 



Orsini. 
Medora 



Orsini. 
Medora, 




THE END. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 102 926 9 



